Nearly 90 percent of scientists believe genetically modified foods are safe, while only 37 percent of the public agrees, a recent poll notes.

Most U.S. corn and soybeans are genetically modified.

The World Resources Institute last summer asserted that genetically modified foods may pose a greater risk of unexpected harmful results than foods that are crossbred through conventional methods. However, the group noted an absence of any evidence that genetically modified foods have caused adverse health effects in humans.

Several local governments in Oregon, California and Hawaii have restricted genetically modified crops, in part due to concern that they could contaminate organic crops or endanger export markets for conventional crops.

Biotechnology companies are fighting such restrictions but have had little success so far. Despite an $8 million public relations campaign by Monsanto, Maui County in Hawaii recently passed a moratorium on genetically engineered crops.

Maine, Connecticut and Vermont also have approved state laws to require that genetically engineered foods be labeled, and similar bills are under consideration in more than two dozen additional states.

Why It Matters

The gap between the public’s view and scientists’ view of the safety of genetically modified crops has led some analysts to compare the issue to the current debate over vaccinating children. Despite a lack of evidence that vaccines are unsafe, a significant minority of parents choose not to vaccinate their children. Likewise, analysts note that public sentiment against genetic modification appears to stem from suspicion of corporations and concern about new technologies.

Opinion

Opponents of genetic modification argue that consumers should be informed of what’s in their food through labeling. They say that not enough information currently is available regarding safety of genetically modified foods. Many state and local governments are bowing to public sentiment; last year, Vermont was the first state to require labeling of genetically modified foods, with the new law expected to go into effect in 2016.